Apollo Eye Disease (Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Methods [BGN Eye Clinic, Jamsil Lotte Tower]Hello, this is Dr. Sae-Kwang Park, Medical Director at BGN Eye Clinic, Jamsil Lotte Tower. While many of our patients visit for vision correction, cataracts, and various eye diseases, we also receive numerous inquiries about viral conjunctivitis, including Apollo Eye Disease. Today, I’d like to briefly talk about this condition, which many people experience every year.✅ What is Apollo Eye Disease?Apollo Eye Disease is a type of Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis. It is an infectious disease caused by viruses such as Enterovirus 70, Coxsackievirus A24, and Adenoviruses. Due to its infectious nature, it is crucial to be cautious about its contagiousness.✅ What Causes Apollo Eye Disease?This disease results from viral infection. While we’ve mentioned the responsible viruses above, here’s how the infection is typically transmitted:1️⃣ Contact with an infected person’s hands: Direct transmission via hands that have touched the eyes2️⃣ Contaminated items: Indirect transmission through towels, handkerchiefs, doorknobs, keyboards, etc.3️⃣ Public spaces: Direct or indirect transmission through schools, workplaces, public transport, and swimming pools4️⃣ Respiratory droplets: Possibility of droplet transmission via coughing or sneezing in public placesSymptoms usually appear within 24 to 48 hours of infection. Because of its high infectivity, Apollo Eye Disease can spread rapidly in crowded environments like schools and offices.✅ What Are the Main Symptoms?🟢 Early Symptoms✔ Starts in one eye and quickly spreads to both✔ Redness and conjunctival hyperemia✔ Foreign body sensation, itching, stinging✔ Increased tearing and eye discharge🔴 Severe Symptoms✔ Hemorrhage in the white of the eye (hemorrhagic conjunctivitis)✔ Eyelid swelling✔ Severe pain and light sensitivity (photophobia)✔ Temporary vision impairmentThough symptoms appear suddenly after infection, they usually improve within a week.✅ How Is Apollo Eye Disease Treated?Since Apollo Eye Disease is caused by a virus, there is no specific treatment, and it usually resolves naturally within 1 to 2 weeks. However, to ease symptoms and prevent secondary infections, the following measures are recommended: Symptom Relief✔ Use of artificial tears: for dryness or foreign body sensation✔ Cold compresses: to reduce swelling and discomfort✔ Antibiotic eye drops (if prescribed): to prevent bacterial co-infection Precautions✔ Avoid rubbing your eyes: may worsen infection✔ Wash hands frequently: to prevent transmission✔ Do not share towels, pillows, or cosmetics: to stop the spread✔ Avoid swimming pools and public spaces: to protect others✅ Prevention and Early Symptom Management Are KeyBecause of its highly contagious nature, first-line prevention like hand washing, maintaining personal hygiene, and avoiding contact with infected individuals is essential. If symptoms do develop, visiting an eye clinic for proper diagnosis and care can help prevent unnecessary discomfort.Seek medical attention if:✔ You have severe pain or vision loss✔ There is significant swelling or persistent bleeding✔ Symptoms last more than a week or worsen✔ Eye discharge becomes excessive or turns yellow with pusMany people have experienced Apollo Eye Disease during childhood—some even hoping to catch it to get out of school. But now, no one wants to go through this discomfort unnecessarily. Early action and proper care are the best ways to protect your vision and prevent further complications. 

How Our Eyes Perceive Color and Treatment Options for Color Vision DeficiencyHello, this is Dr. Sae-Kwang Park from BGN Eye Clinic in Jamsil Lotte Tower.Today, I’d like to talk about something that might be helpful for those with color vision deficiency—commonly known as color blindness.While I often share content related to vision correction (LASIK, LASEK, SMILE, SMILE Pro, and ICL) or presbyopia and cataracts, today's topic will be a little different—color vision deficiency.The way we perceive color is much more complex than it seems. For instance, when we see a red apple, we instinctively recognize it as red. But in reality, this perception involves a sophisticated process involving light, photoreceptor cells, and brain interpretation.Let’s take a step-by-step look at how we see color, what color vision deficiency is, what difficulties it brings, and what supportive methods are currently available.How We See Color – The Role of LightTo understand color, we must first understand light. When light is passed through a prism, it breaks into seven colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. These colors make up the visible light spectrum.Objects reflect specific wavelengths of light and absorb the rest. For example, a red apple reflects red wavelengths and absorbs the others, which is why we perceive it as red.How Does the Human Eye Recognize Color?Our eyes contain photoreceptor cells that detect light. These are divided into two main types:✔ Cone cells – Responsible for color vision✔ Rod cells – Responsible for detecting brightness and darknessCone cells are particularly important for perceiving color.There are three types of cone cells, each sensitive to different wavelengths:Red-sensitive conesGreen-sensitive conesBlue-sensitive conesThese three types of cells work together to allow us to perceive a full spectrum of colors.This is the same principle used in digital displays, often called the RGB system.What Is Color Vision Deficiency (Color Blindness)?Normal color perception requires all three types of cone cells to function properly.However, when one type of cone is missing or underperforming due to genetics or aging, Color Vision Deficiency (CVD) can occur.Main Causes of Color Vision Deficiency✔ Genetics – Often inherited through the X chromosome, making it more common in men✔ Aging – The function of cone cells may decline over time✔ Eye diseases – Conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration may affect color perception✔ Medication side effects – Certain antibiotics or antidepressants can cause changes in color visionTypes of Color Vision Deficiency✔ Red-Green Deficiency – The most common form; difficult to distinguish between red and green✔ Blue-Yellow Deficiency – Less common; difficulty distinguishing between blue and yellow✔ Total Color Blindness (Achromatopsia) – Extremely rare; only able to perceive shades of grayHow Can Color Vision Deficiency Be Managed?While there’s currently no complete cure for color blindness, there are several tools and techniques that can help improve color discrimination.1) Color-Corrective Glasses & Contact LensesThese use special filters to enhance contrast between certain colors.They can make it easier to distinguish between colors, especially in daily activities.2) Digital Color Adjustment ToolsMany smartphones and

Many people experience worsening symptoms of dry eyes due to the dry winter air. The combination of low humidity and indoor heating can significantly aggravate dry eye symptoms.To relieve discomfort, consistent care and lifestyle adjustments are essential.Let’s take a look at some daily habits that can help prevent dry eyes:1. Use of Artificial TearsTypes and Usage Tips:Preservative-free artificial tears: Safe for frequent daily use and suitable for chronic dryness.Eye drops: Liquid form that provides immediate hydration to the eye surface.Gel type: Stays longer on the eyes and is ideal for nighttime use.Tip: Wash hands before use, and gently close eyes for 1–2 minutes after applying to help distribute the solution evenly.2. Manage Indoor HumidityHumidifier: Keeps air moist and counteracts the drying effect of heating.Optimal humidity level: Maintain 40–60%.Change humidifier water daily to prevent bacterial growth.Alternative:Place a damp towel or water bowl near the heater to add moisture to the air.3. Warm CompressesMethod: Soak a clean towel in warm water, wring it out, and place it over your eyelids for 5–10 minutes.Gently massage the eyelid margins afterward to stimulate oil glands and stabilize the tear film.Frequency: Once or twice a day, especially in the morning or before bed.4. Improve Blinking Habits20-20-20 Rule for Screen Use: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.Blink more consciously: Helps spread tears evenly and reduce dryness.Adjust screen position slightly below eye level to minimize eye exposure and dryness.5. Nutritional SupportOmega-3 fatty acids: Improve tear quality and prevent evaporation.Found in salmon, mackerel, flaxseed, walnuts, etc.Vitamins A and E: Promote healthy eye mucous membranes.Found in carrots, spinach, avocados, sunflower seeds, etc.Hydration: Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to maintain fluid balance.6. Environmental ProtectionProtective eyewear: Wear glasses or sunglasses to block wind and dust.Adjust airflow: Direct air from heaters or AC away from your face.Try to limit outdoor activities on windy days.7. Eyelid HygieneMethod: Gently wipe eyelid margins with a cotton swab soaked in warm water.Thoroughly remove eye makeup to prevent inflammation or blockage.Effect: Helps reduce inflammation and improve tear film stability.8. Professional TreatmentDry eye evaluation: Visit an eye clinic for a proper diagnosis if symptoms are severe.You may be prescribed anti-inflammatory drops or medicated artificial tears.For contact lens users: Switch to moisturizing lenses or reduce wearing time.Punctal plugs: A procedure to block tear drainage and retain natural tears.9. Things to AvoidSmoking and secondhand smoke: Irritate the eyes and worsen symptoms.Caffeine and alcohol: Can dehydrate the body and exacerbate dry eyes—consume in moderation.

During the winter season, cold weather and dry air can make your eyes feel more tired and dry.To protect your eye health, try incorporating the following foods into your diet:Carrots: Rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which help protect vision.Spinach: Contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which help prevent macular degeneration.Sweet potatoes: High in beta-carotene and vitamin C, helping to relieve eye fatigue.Mandarins and oranges: Packed with vitamin C to support healthy blood vessels in the eyes.Nuts: Almonds and walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which help relieve dry eyes.Salmon: A great source of omega-3 fatty acids, effective in preventing dry eye syndrome.Eggs: Contain lutein and zinc, which are beneficial for retinal health.Broccoli: Contains vitamin C and antioxidants that help slow down eye aging.Pumpkin: Rich in beta-carotene, which helps relieve eye fatigue.Green tea: Contains catechins, powerful antioxidants that can reduce inflammation in the eyes.Be sure to eat a balanced variety of these foods to protect your eye health during winter.In addition, don’t forget to stay hydrated and maintain proper indoor humidity to prevent dry eyes.